Using Measurement of Lateral Force for a Tracking Input Device

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for using measurements of a lateral force applied to a motion-based input device are disclosed. The input device has a force detection module operable to detect lateral forces applied to the input device and generate force data representative of the applied lateral forces. The system also includes a processor coupled to the force detection module. The processor is operable to initiate an event based upon the force data.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to input devices for computing systems, and moreparticularly, to a method and apparatus for using force sensors forgenerating input data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An input device can be manipulated by a user to generate input data in acomputer system. Typically, an input device is positioned on a surfaceand moved relative to that surface, but other forms of input devicesoperating in different fashions are also available. The operationsperformed on an input device generally correspond to moving a cursorand/or making selections on a display screen. There are many kinds ofelectronic input devices, such as buttons or keys, pens, digitizingpads, game controllers, trackballs, touch screens, touch pads, mice, andthe like. A “mouse” is a common type of input device that functions as apointing device for a computer by detecting motion imparted by a user.The mouse's motion is typically translated into motion of a navigationalobject (e.g., cursor) on a graphical user interface (GUI) provided on adisplay screen. A mouse generally comprises a small case, held in auser's hand, with one or more input buttons. Additionally, a mouse mayhave other elements, such as a scroll wheel, that allow a user toperform enhanced operations.

Many types of input devices, such as a mouse, are only capable ofgenerating a limited amount of input. For example, most conventionalmouse input devices generate two types of input data: i) input datagenerated from sensing movement of the mouse relative to a surface; andii) input data generated from a user depressing a selection buttonand/or scrolling a scroll wheel on the mouse. Accordingly, the mannerand type of input data that can be generated using conventional devicesis limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methodsfor initiating actions (i.e. events) on a receiving device, such as apersonal computer, using an input device. A system in accordance withone embodiment includes an input device. The input device has a motiondetection module operable to generate motion data representative of amotion of the input device and a force detection module operable togenerate force data representative of a force acting upon the inputdevice. The system also includes a processor coupled to the motiondetection module and the force detection module. The processor isoperable to receive the motion data and force data, and initiate anevent based upon the motion data and the force data.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method for tracking movement ofa motion-based input device is provided. The method includes measuring alateral force acting upon the motion-based input device, selecting anevent based upon the measured lateral force, and initiating the event.

A system according to one embodiment includes a motion-based inputdevice and a processor. The motion-based input device includes a forcedetection module operable to detect a lateral force applied to the inputdevice and generate lateral force data indicative of the detectedlateral force. The processor is coupled to the force detection moduleand is operable to receive the force data and calculate an estimateddirection of motion of the input device based on the force data. Thesystem further includes a display displaying a graphical user interfacehaving a cursor, wherein the system moves the cursor on the graphicaluser interface in accordance with the estimated direction of motion.

Certain embodiments of the invention have other aspects in addition toor in place of those mentioned or obvious from the above. The aspectswill become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of thefollowing detailed description when taken with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are provided for purposes of illustration onlyand merely depict exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Thesedrawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of thedisclosure and should not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope,or applicability of the disclosure. It should be noted that for clarityand ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made toscale.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computing system using an input deviceaccording to one embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a system diagram of a modular arrangement of an input deviceaccording to one embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of forces exerted on an input device accordingto one embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary process for estimating a direction of motion ofan input device based upon detected lateral forces according oneembodiment of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process forinitiating events based upon the measured lateral forces and otherconditions according to one embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process forinitiating an event based upon the measured lateral forces and motionimparted on the input device according to one embodiment of thisinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the following description of exemplary embodiments, reference is madeto the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which itis shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments can be used and structural changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

In accordance with various embodiments, a motion-based input device caninclude one or more force sensors capable of detecting forces actingupon the input device and generating data representative of the detectedforces. A system can then initiate (e.g., trigger) one or more eventsbased on the data representative of the detected forces.

As used herein, the term “event” can refer to any function or processperformed by a computer system in response to user input. An event neednot be a function traditionally initiated by a user using a motion-basedinput device, but can also include functions initiated by a user usingother types of input devices, including keyboards, touch pads, switches,buttons, dials or any other electrical, mechanical and/or opticalmechanism that generates input data in response to a user input. A fewnon-limiting examples of an event can include moving a cursor displayedon a graphical user interface, making a selection indication (e.g.,similar to depressing a selection button on a mouse, for example),changing a mode of operation, turning volume up or down, changingchannels, paging back and forth in a software application, initiating astartup or wakeup sequence of a receiving device or the input device,and increasing a data collection rate to decrease lag.

As used herein, a motion-based input device can refer to an input devicethat detects multi-directional motion of the input device relative to asurface. Motion-based input devices can utilize a variety of sensors fordetecting movement of the input device relative to a surface andgenerate an input signal indicating information pertaining to thedetected movement. Non-limiting examples of motion-based input devicesinclude electro-mechanical mice (also known as “ball mice”), opticalmice and inertial mice (e.g., accelerometer-based mice).

As user herein, the term “module” refers to any unit or combination ofunits incorporating software, firmware, hardware, or any combinationthereof that is designed and configured to perform a desired function.In addition, the term “module” does not imply that the components orfunctionality described or claimed as part of the module are allconfigured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the variouscomponents of a module, whether control logic or other components, canbe combined in a single package or separately maintained and can furtherbe distributed across multiple locations.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical environment or system 100 in which an inputdevice 102 may be used in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. The motion-based input device 102 can be positioned upon asurface 104 such as a desk or a tabletop. In order to generate inputdata, a user can move the input device 102 relative to the surface 104to generate input signals indicative of the movement of the inputdevice.

Note that in FIG. 1, the surface 104 is depicted as being flat orsubstantially flat. However, this is not necessary according to otherembodiments. Also note that the surface 104 need not necessarily besituated beneath the input device 102. For example, the surface 104 maybe tilted, situated above the input device 102, or vertically oriented.Also note that multiple surfaces 104 can be utilized.

A receiving device 106 can be adapted to receive input signals generatedby the input device 102. As used herein, the terms “receiving device”and “receiver” include without limitation video game consoles, set-topboxes, televisions, personal computers (whether desktop, laptop, orotherwise), digital video recorders, communications equipment,terminals, and display devices. In accordance with various embodiments,the receiving device 106 can comprise at least one interface adapted toreceive input signals transmitted from the input device 102. The device102 can be physically coupled to the receiving device via one or morecommunication links (such as via a serial bus cable) or the input device102 can be adapted to wirelessly communicate with the receiving device106.

A display device 108 in communication with the receiving device 106 canbe adapted to display a navigational object upon its display screen (forexample, a pointer, cursor, selector box, or other such indicator).During operation, when the user manipulates the input device 102relative to the surface 104, input signals generated by the input device102 are received at the receiving device 106 and the navigational objectresponds according to the user's input. As used herein, the term“display device” can include any type of device adapted to displayinformation, including without limitation cathode ray tube displays(CRTs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), thin film transistor displays(TFTs), digital light processor displays (DLPs), plasma displays, lightemitting diodes (LEDs) or diode arrays, incandescent devices, andfluorescent devices. Display devices may also include less dynamicdevices such as printers, e-ink devices, and other similar structures.

FIG. 2 is a system diagram of a modular arrangement of the input device102 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The inputdevice 102 includes a printed circuit board 204 comprising electricalleads that enable various modules to communicate with other coupledmodules.

A power supply 206 provides a source of power to modules electricallycoupled to the printed circuit board 204. In some embodiments, power issupplied externally from one or more conductive wires, for example,through the use of a power cable or a serial bus cable. In otherembodiments, a battery may be used as a source of power.

A memory 212 comprises any type of module adapted to enable digitalinformation to be stored, retained, and retrieved. Additionally, thememory 212 may comprise any combination of volatile and non-volatilestorage devices, including without limitation RAM, DRAM, SRAM, ROM,and/or flash memory. Note also that the memory 212 may be organized inany number of architectural configurations, through the use ofregisters, memory caches, data buffers, main memory, mass storage,and/or removable media, for example.

One or more processors 208 can be adapted to execute sequences ofinstructions by loading and storing data to the memory 212. Possibleinstructions include, without limitation, instructions for dataconversions, formatting operations, communication instructions, and/orstorage and retrieval operations. Additionally, the processors 208 maycomprise any type of digital processing devices including, for example,reduced instruction set computer processors, general-purpose processors,microprocessors, digital signal processors, gate arrays, programmablelogic devices, reconfigurable compute fabrics, array processors, and/orapplication-specific integrated circuits. Note also that the processors208 may be contained on a single unitary integrated circuit die ordistributed across multiple components.

An interface module 216 enables data to be transmitted and/or receivedover one or more data networks. The data can be transmitted or receivedwirelessly or through the use of wires. In an exemplary embodiment, datatransmitted to a receiving device is first packetized and processedaccording to one or more standardized network protocols. In someembodiments, the interface module 216 comprises a plurality of networklayers such that each layer provides services to the layer above it andreceives services from the layer below it. The interface module 216 mayaccommodate any wired or wireless protocol including, withoutlimitation, USB, FireWire, Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, MoCA, radiofrequency tuners, modems, WiFi, Blutooth, WiMax, and/or Infrared DataAssociation.

A motion detection module 220 comprises logic adapted to determine aspeed, velocity, acceleration and/or position of the input device 102 ata specific instant in time, or alternatively, over a period of time. Inaccordance with various embodiments, the motion detection module 220 caninclude one or more motion detection sensors to determine accelerationfrom a plurality of sensed external forces acting upon the input device102. The motion detection sensors can be, for example, one or moreaccelerometers. In further embodiments, the motion detection module 220can include different types of sensors, such as optical sensors and/orelectro-mechanical sensors.

In one embodiment, the motion detection module 220 can detect slidingnoise and/or vibrational signals resulting from the input device 102kinetically contacting the surface 104. In one embodiment, when theinput device 102 slides across surface 104, the motion detection module220 can record data contained within one or more response spectrums.This data can be used to derive additional information about the motionof the input device 102, as described in more detail in applicant's U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/235,326, [attorney docket number106842018400], filed on Sep. 22, 2008 , and titled “Using Vibration toDetermine the Motion of an Input Device”, the content of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

A force detection module 222 can include sensors and logic adapted todetect forces acting upon the input device 102 during an instant intime, or alternatively, over a period of time. In accordance with someembodiments, the force detection module can include one or more forcedetection sensors operable to detect external forces acting upon theinput device 102. In some embodiments, the force detection module 220can detect forces acting upon the input device 102 in at least twodimensions (e.g., at least along an x-axis and a y-axis in a Cartesiancoordinate system).

As mentioned above, the input device 102 can include one or more forcesensors. In one embodiment, a three-component force sensor can detectthe forces exerted on the input device in three dimensions (e.g., alongx, y and z axes in a Cartesian coordinate system). Suitablethree-component force sensors include Kistler 3-Component Force Sensors,models 9167A. 9168A, 916AB, or 9168AB, offered by Kistler North Americalocated in Amherst, N.Y., USA. In other embodiments, separate forcesensors can be used to detect the forces exerted on the input device102.

In accordance with one embodiment, directions and magnitudes of forcesacting upon the input device 102 can be derived from informationgenerated by the force sensors. FIG. 3 is a block diagram indicating aforce F_(total) applied to the input device 102 positioned on surface104. As an example, the force F_(total) may be applied to the inputdevice 102 by a user to move the input device in a desired direction ina plane of motion. As used herein, a “plane of motion” can be defined asan x-y plane in a Cartesian coordinate system in which a user moves theinput device 102. The x-y plane has an x-axis and a y-axis perpendicularto the x-axis. A z-axis extends perpendicularly from the x-y plane. Inone embodiment, the x-y plane is parallel to the surface 104 on whichthe input device 102 is placed.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the force F_(total) applied to the input devicecan comprise a lateral force component and a normal force component (thenormal force can also be referred to as a vertical force). The lateralforce component further includes a first lateral force component, Fx, ina direction along the x-axis, and a second lateral force, Fy, componentin a direction along the y-axis. The normal force component, Fz, is in adirection along the z-axis.

The direction of the lateral force is mathematically related to thelateral force components, Fx and Fy, applied to the input device 102 inthe plane of motion. This relationship can be expressed as:

|F|=√{square root over ((Fx ² +Fy ²))}   (1)

Where |F| is a total magnitude of the lateral force component applied tothe input device 102. Corresponding directional vectors can then bederived using the following expression:

X direction=Fx/|F|, Y direction=Fy/|F|   (2)

Thus, using measurements of the lateral force components, Fx and Fy,applied to the input device 102, logic residing in force detectionmodule 220 or computer 106, for example, can estimate a total magnitudeof the lateral force and corresponding directional unit vectors of thelateral force. Of course, other standard techniques known in physics maybe used to calculate a scalar quantity of force from a given set offorce vectors. In accordance with various embodiments, the logic may beimplemented as any combination of software, firmware and/or hardware.

In one embodiment, motion and force information is written to a memory212 within input device 102 before being provided as input to receivingdevice 106. In other embodiments, this data can be stored in externalmemory (e.g. a hard drive of the receiving device 102) wherein the inputdevice 102 simply transmits raw data to the receiving device 106 forstorage and processing by one or more processors (not shown) in thereceiving device.

As mentioned above, one or more force sensors 222 can be utilized togenerate force information pertaining to forces acting upon the inputdevice 102. In accordance with one embodiment, the input device 102 candetect lateral components of forces applied to the input device 102 intwo directions in a plane of motion of the input device; the firstdirection being substantially perpendicular to the second direction.Information relating to the detected lateral force components can thenbe used to calculate an estimated magnitude and direction of a lateralforce acting upon the input device 102, among other things. A system inaccordance with various embodiments can then initiate an event based onthe estimated magnitude and direction, for example.

FIG. 4 is flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process 400 ofestimating a direction of motion of an input device based upon detectedlateral forces, in accordance with one embodiment. The various tasksperformed in connection with process 400 may be performed by hardware,software, firmware, or any combination thereof. It should be appreciatedthat process 400 may include any number of additional or alternativetasks. The tasks shown in FIG. 4 need not be performed in theillustrated order and process 400 may be incorporated into a morecomprehensive procedure or process having additional functionality notdescribed in detail herein. For illustrative purposes, the followingdescription of processes may refer to elements mentioned above inconnection with FIGS. 1-3.

Process 400 begins at step 402 when an input device 102 detects alateral force (or lateral components of a force) acting upon the inputdevice 102 in the x-y plane of motion and a motion of the input device.The lateral force is detected using one or more force sensorsincorporated in the input device 102. The motion of the input device canbe measured by a variety of sensors, such as by one or moreaccelerometers. The force sensors and motion detection sensors alsogenerate data values indicative of the detected lateral force andmotion, respectively. These data values can include values of lateralforce components measured along an x-axis and y-axis, respectively, in aCartesian coordinate system. The lateral force and motion data valuescan be stored in memory 212 for later processing or sent directly toprocessor 208, for example. As mentioned above, in alternativeembodiments, raw data generated by the force sensors and motion sensorscan be sent directly to an external memory for subsequent processing byprocessing circuitry (not shown) within the receiving device 106.

Next, at step 404, an estimated direction of motion of the input device102 and an estimated speed of the input device are calculated using thelateral force and motion measurements, respectively, measured at step402.

At step 406, a cursor displayed on a graphical user interface is movedin accordance with the estimated direction of motion and estimated speedof the input device. For example, a cursor displayed on a graphical userdisplay may be moved in a direction corresponding to the estimateddirection of motion and with a speed that is in proportion to theestimated speed.

FIG. 5 is flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process 500 ofinitiating an event based upon detected lateral forces, in accordancewith one embodiment. The various tasks performed in connection withprocess 500 may be performed by hardware, software, firmware, or anycombination thereof. It should be appreciated that process 500 mayinclude any number of additional or alternative tasks. The tasks shownin FIG. 5 need not be performed in the illustrated order and process 500may be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure or processhaving additional functionality not described in detail herein. Forillustrative purposes, the following description of processes may referto elements mentioned above in connection with FIGS. 1-3.

Process 500 begins at step 502 when an input device 102 detects alateral force (or lateral components of a force) acting upon the inputdevice 102 in the x-y plane of motion. The input device 102 incorporatesone or more force sensors to detect the lateral force and generates datavalues indicative of the detected lateral force. These data values caninclude values of lateral force components measured along an x-axis andy-axis, respectively, in a Cartesian coordinate system, for example.These values can be stored in memory 212 for later processing or sentdirectly to processor 208, for example. As mentioned above, inalternative embodiments, raw data generated by the force sensors can besent directly to an external memory for subsequent processing byprocessing circuitry (not shown) within the receiving device 106.

Next, at step 504, an event or one of a plurality of possible events isselected based upon the lateral force values generated in step 502. As anon-limiting example, a first event is selected in step 504 if thelateral force values indicate that the lateral force acting upon theinput device 102 is directed predominantly along the x-axis in the planeof motion; whereas a second event is selected in step 504 if the lateralforce values indicate that the lateral force is directed predominantlyalong the y-axis in the plane of motion. In one embodiment, the firstevent can correspond to a “single click” performed on a traditionalmouse and the second event can correspond to a “double-click” performedon a traditional mouse. Of course other methods of selecting an eventbased upon the lateral force values can be used, and the above is merelyone example.

Finally, the event selected in step 504 is initiated in step 506. Asdescribed above, the event can be any number of possible functions orprocesses. It may also be noted that various additional conditions orvariations can be implemented in process 500. Some of the conditions andvariations are described below.

In one embodiment, initiation of one or more events based on a detectedforce can depend upon whether the input device 102 is moving or notmoving (i.e. stationary). For example, in one exemplary implementation,initiation of an event based on a detected lateral force occurs if it isdetermined that the input device 102 is not moving at that time. Infurther embodiments, a second, different event is initiated based on thedetected force if it is determined that the input device 102 is moving.

In one embodiment a polarity of the lateral force in the plane of motiondetermines which event is initiated. For example, a first event may beinitiated if it is determined that the lateral force measured along afirst axis in the plane of motion has a positive value (e.g., if thelateral force component measured along the x-axis is has a positivevalue), lateral force measured along a first axis in the plane of motionhas a negative value (e.g., if the lateral force component measuredalong the x-axis is has a negative value).

Moreover, in one embodiment, an event is initiated if an estimatedmagnitude of the lateral force is greater than a predeterminedthreshold. In this manner, small, unintentional forces exerted by a useron the input device 102 need not be taken into account.

Further, in one embodiment, measuring an increase or a reduction inmagnitude of force exerted on the input device 102 over a given periodof time can initiate one or more events.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process 600 forinitiating an event based upon measured lateral forces and motionimparted on the input device 102 in accordance with one embodiment. Thevarious tasks performed in connection with process 600 may be performedby hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. It shouldbe appreciated that process 600 may include any number of additional oralternative tasks. The tasks shown in FIG. 6 need not be performed inthe illustrated order and process 600 may be incorporated into a morecomprehensive procedure or process having additional functionality notdescribed in detail herein. For illustrative purposes, the followingdescription of process 600 may refer to elements mentioned above inconnection with FIGS. 1-3.

At step 602, lateral force data and movement data are generated by forcesensors and motion sensors, respectively, residing in motion module 220.The lateral force data are indicative of a lateral force imparted on theinput device 102 and the movement data are indicative of a motion of theinput device 102. The lateral force and movement data values can bestored in memory 212 for processing by processor 208 or sent directly tothe receiving device 106 for storage and processing. In one embodiment,the motion detection module includes one or more accelerometers adaptedto detect acceleration forces applied to the input device 102.

Based upon the movement data values, at step 604, it is determinedwhether the input device 102 is moving. If it is determined that theinput device 102 is moving, then a cursor or other graphical objectassociated with the input device 102 is moved based on the lateral forcedata and movement data obtained at step 606. In one embodiment, themovement data is generated by one or more accelerometers that canmeasure an acceleration of the input device 102. An estimated speed ofthe device can be calculated by logic adapted to integrate the measuredacceleration. In addition, an estimated direction of motion can becalculated by logic adapted to apply equations (1) and (2), above, usingthe force data. The estimated speed and the estimated direction ofmotion can then be used to move a cursor on a display in proportion tothe estimated speed and in accordance with the estimated direction ofmotion, for example. The process then returns to step 602.

If it is determined that the input device 102 is not moving at step 604,then, at step 608, process 600 calculates a force magnitude |F| based onthe magnitude of the lateral forces measured during step 602.

The force magnitude |F| is then compared with a predetermined thresholdat step 610. The predetermined threshold can be selected based upon adesired sensitivity of the input device 102. In other words, arelatively large threshold value can require a large lateral force to beexerted on the input device 102 in order to initiate an event; whereas asmall lateral force can initiate an event when a relatively smallerthreshold value is used. In accordance one embodiment, the thresholdvalue can be selected based upon user preference. If the force magnitudeis less than the threshold value, then the process 600 returns to step602 and the process 600 is repeated.

However, if the force magnitude is greater than the threshold, then theprocess 600 selects an event based on the detected lateral forces instep 612 and initiates the selected event in step 614. A variety offactors or comparisons can be used when selecting the event based on thedetected lateral forces in step 612. For example, a first event may beselected based on whether the lateral force component measured along thex-axis is greater than the lateral force component measured along they-axis. In other words, a first event is selected if the lateral forceapplied along the x-axis is greater than the lateral force applied alongthe y-axis. Whereas, a second event is selected if the lateral forcemeasured along the x-axis is less than the lateral force measured alongin the y-axis. As another example, an event can be selected based onwhether an estimated lateral force magnitude or a measured lateral forcecomponent is determined to be increasing at a specific instant in timeor over a period of time.

While this invention has been described in terms of several exemplaryembodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, whichfall within the scope of this invention. For example, the term“computer” does not necessarily mean any particular kind of device,combination of hardware and/or software, nor should it be consideredrestricted to either a multi purpose or single purpose device.

It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways ofimplementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It istherefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted asincluding all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition,as used herein, the terms “computer program” and “software” can refer toany sequence of human or machine cognizable steps that are adapted to beprocessed by a computer. Such may be rendered in any programminglanguage or environment including, for example, C/C++, Fortran, COBOL,PASCAL, Perl, Prolog, assembly language, scripting languages, markuplanguages (e.g., HTML, SGML, XML, VoXML), functional languages (e.g.,APL, Erlang, Haskell, Lisp, ML, F# and Scheme), as well asobject-oriented environments such as the Common Object Request BrokerArchitecture (CORBA), Java™ (including J2ME, Java Beans, etc.).

Moreover, terms and phrases used in this document, and variationsthereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as openended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term“including” should be read as mean “including, without limitation” orthe like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances ofthe item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; andadjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,”“known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limitingthe item described to a given time period or to an item available as ofa given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional,traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available orknown now or at any time in the future. Likewise, a group of itemslinked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring thateach and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rathershould be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly,a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read asrequiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also beread as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore,although items, elements or components of the invention may be describedor claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within thescope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

1-33. (canceled)
 34. An electronic device comprising: a motion sensoroperable to generate motion data representative of a motion of theelectronic device; a force sensor operable to generate force datarepresentative of a force applied to the electronic device; and aprocessing unit, coupled to the motion sensor and the force sensor,operable to: receive the motion data and force data, if the electronicdevice is moving, initiate a first event based upon concurrent use ofboth the motion data and the force data; and if the electronic device isnot moving, initiate a second event based upon the force data.
 35. Theelectronic device of claim 34, wherein the processing unit selects thefirst event from a plurality of events.
 36. The electronic device ofclaim 35, wherein the processing unit selects a first of the pluralityof events as the first event if the force is applied predominantlydirected along a first axis and a second of the plurality of events asthe first event if the force is applied predominantly directed along asecond axis.
 37. The electronic device of claim 36, wherein the first ofthe plurality of events and the second of the plurality of events arerelated events.
 38. The electronic device of claim 34, wherein theprocessing unit selects the second event from a plurality of events. 39.The electronic device of claim 38, wherein the processing unit selects afirst of the plurality of events as the second event if the force isapplied predominantly directed along a first axis and a second of theplurality of events as the second event if the force is appliedpredominantly directed along a second axis.
 40. The electronic device ofclaim 39, wherein the first of the plurality of events and the second ofthe plurality of events are related events.
 41. A system for initiatingevents, comprising a first electronic device, comprising: a motionsensor operable to generate motion data representative of a motion ofthe first electronic device; and a force sensor operable to generateforce data representative of a force applied to the first electronicdevice; and a second electronic device, communicably coupled to thefirst electronic device, operable to: receive the motion data and forcedata from the first electronic device, if the first electronic device ismoving, initiate a first event based upon concurrent use of both themotion data and the force data; and if the first electronic device isnot moving, initiate a second event based upon the force data.
 42. Thesystem of claim 41, wherein the second electronic device selects a firstof a plurality of events as the first event if the force is below athreshold and a second of the plurality of events as the first event ifthe force is above the threshold.
 43. The system of claim 42, whereinthe first of the plurality of events comprises determining not toperform a function the second of the plurality of events comprisesdetermining to perform the function.
 44. The system of claim 42, whereinthe threshold is based upon a user preference.
 45. The system of claim41, wherein the second electronic device selects a first of a pluralityof events as the second event if the force is below a threshold and asecond of the plurality of events as the second event if the force isabove the threshold.
 46. The system of claim 45, wherein the first ofthe plurality of events comprises determining not to perform a functionthe second of the plurality of events comprises determining to performthe function.
 47. A method for initiating events, comprising: measuringa force, utilizing a force sensor, applied to an electronic device;measuring a motion, utilizing a motion sensor, of the electronic device;if the electronic device is moving, initiating a first event based uponconcurrent use of the measured motion and the measured force; and if theelectronic device is not moving, initiating a second event based uponthe measured force.
 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the first eventis: a first of a plurality of events if the force is applied along afirst axis greater than along a second axis; and a second of theplurality of events if the force is applied along the second axisgreater than along the first axis.
 49. The method of claim 47, whereinthe second event is: a first of a plurality of events if the force isapplied along a first axis greater than along a second axis; and asecond of the plurality of events if the force is applied along thesecond axis greater than along the first axis.
 50. The method of claim47, wherein the first event is: a first of a plurality of events if theforce is increasing; and a second of the plurality of events if theforce is not increasing.
 51. The method of claim 47, wherein the secondevent is: a first of a plurality of events if the force is increasing;and a second of the plurality of events if the force is not increasing.52. The method of claim 47, wherein said operation of measuring theforce comprises measuring forces applied to the electronic device in atleast two directions utilizing at least two force sensors.
 53. Themethod of claim 47, wherein the first event comprises moving anavigational object on a graphical display: in accordance with anestimated speed determined based at least on the measured motion; and ina direction in which the force is applied determined based at least onthe measured force.